What were you doing in September 1997?

I was putting my first kindergartner on the bus to Gordon Elementary School, smiling wide so she didn’t see my tears.

Now, after 17 consecutive school years with kids at Gordon, our last little Roundy is finishing his elementary school career.  More smiles and tears in store.

I have always volunteered with the schools, some years more than others. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never joined the PTA, but I’ve always been impressed with everything those fine folks accomplish.

When I had little children still at home during the day, I traded babysitting with friends so we could each have time helping out in the classrooms. When I had a new baby, I showed up to volunteer wearing an infant carrier. That first kindergarten year, it was common for two to four parents to be volunteering at a time. Not surprisingly, it was a very successful year for that little class.

I still hang out at Gordon a lot, but I don’t see nearly as many parents volunteering. Where is everybody? At a time when school budgets are constantly being cut, volunteers are critical.  Our teachers are excellent, but isn’t educating kids something we’re all responsible for? Oh, yes, it is! We help with homework, we show up for evening school events. Those are important. But when your child sees you volunteering in the classroom, or chaperoning a field trip, or agreeing to correct papers at home one hour a week, it sends a message that these experiences are important to you too.

But you don’t have time?  I understand. That’s why I never joined PTA. My contributions to the schools have been in other areas.  You don’t have to do it all to make a difference!  Teachers are usually very happy to have whatever time you are able to share, no matter how little it seems to you.

As my kids have gotten older, they’ve been part of the Kingston Middle School Band. If you’re not familiar with the program, it’s something our district can be proud of. (Don’t tell my brother across the water, but my parents are shocked at how advanced the KMS band has been over the years compared to my nephew’s band. You didn’t hear it from me)

While band director Jeff Haag deserves the credit for KMS band’s success, he’s the first to point out that without parent volunteers — the band boosters — these kids would have a very limited program. My kids have proudly marched in parades in Victoria, B.C., Portland, Ore., and even Disneyland. I’ve chaperoned seven of these band trips, and on every one I’ve been approached by strangers:

“Where is this band from?  Are they really only middle school? They’re amazing!”

It’s a proud parent moment, an empowered kid moment. And it doesn’t happen without parent volunteers.

You may have noticed there are some parents who tend to volunteer a lot for things … field trips, helping in the class, PTA. Ever wonder why they do? Because it’s rewarding!  If it was painful, I wouldn’t do it. I’m not that good.

Also, people volunteer when they get what a big difference they make. It’s not enough to send our kids to school; we’re part of this process. Don’t feel bad when you have to say no …but if you always say no, you may want to rethink that.  Whatever little bit you can do to help will make a difference. You’ll be glad you did.

And on that note … looks like the KMS band needs more chaperones for the proposed Portland trip this June. If you’re a band parent, this is your chance! Do it. Do it. You should. You won’t regret it.

You know you want to do it.

Parents wanting to volunteer to chaperone to Portland should go to kmsbb.org/contacts to email the trips coordinator.

— Check out more from Denise Roundy at thetreesandi.blogspot.com. Contact her at dirkroundy@yahoo.com.